What is the minimum distance required for an SUV to turn without collision?
3 Answers
1.5 meters or more. The following are the distances required for a car to turn without collision: 1. Different vehicle models have different safe turning distances: Generally, the safe turning distance for most vehicles must be at least 1.5 meters, with larger vehicles requiring additional safe distance. 2. Methods to judge the distance of the car: (1) When the upper edge of the rear bumper of the car in front is visible, the distance is judged to be 1m; (2) When the lower edge of the rear bumper of the car in front is visible, the distance should be judged to be 2m; (3) When the lower edge of the rear tires of the car in front is visible, the distance is 3m; If the bumper of the car in front is not visible to the eye, do not turn yet, stop the car and check the distance outside the vehicle.
After driving for so many years, I believe the key to avoiding scratches when turning an SUV is to leave enough distance, especially in narrow intersections or parking lots. SUVs have a tall body and a large turning radius, typically around 5-6 meters for most models. It's advisable to leave at least 3-5 meters of space in front when turning at low speeds (e.g., below 10 km/h)—roughly equivalent to a big stride. From my daily commute, I've learned: observe the surroundings before entering a turn; if there are curbs or obstacles nearby, slow down and use the vehicle's length as a reference (generally 4.8-5 meters for an SUV) to visually ensure the front won't scrape after turning. Note that higher speeds increase the turning radius and risk. Always check mirrors and blind spots during turns—simple habits that prevent accidents. Safety comes first.
As an office worker who often drives an SUV in the city, I carefully calculate distances every time I turn. Simply put, to avoid scraping the front of the car during normal turns (such as a 90-degree turn into a small road), the speed should be kept below 10-15 km/h, and there should be 2-4 meters of space in front—about half the length of the car. SUVs have noticeable inner wheel differences when turning, causing the body to swing outward, which can easily scrape curbs or guardrails. My habit is to slow down in advance before turning and check for pedestrians or vehicles nearby. In practice, if the road is narrow, it's better to turn slowly rather than rush. For example, when entering a parking lot, it's best to wait until the front of the car is completely clear of obstacles before accelerating—safe and worry-free.
